On Saturday, March 15th the Grinnell Tigersharks will send 26 swimmers to the state GISL (Greater Iowa Swim League) swim meet at the Marshalltown YMCA. Swimmers had to have a time faster than a qualifying time to be able to participate in this meet. “We are so very proud of these swimmers that really pushed hard all season and have really stayed focused, ” says coach Sarah Smith. Sarah Smith, Natalie Pavey, Mindy Sieck, and Jalyn Marks (a Grinnell College swimmer) have been coaching these swimmers since November of 2013. There are over 350 swimmers participating in this meet with teams from Ft. Dodge, Carroll, Perry, Denison, Estherville, Clarinda, Manning, Ottumwa, Pella, Knoxville, Brooklyn, Emmetsburg, Spencer, LeMars, and Grinnell.

As well at the state meet each coach can nominate a girl and boy swimmer to be recognized on an all star team. The all star candidates should be committed to being a positive role model, taking an active role in a lifelong sport and supports others on the team and in the community. This year Lily Ensign and Alex Smith will represent Grinnell.

Lily (age 11) is the daughter of John and Mary Ensign. She has been on swim team for 4 years and is a determined, hard worker who continues to drop times by improving her efforts in practice and by listening to technique adjustments. She pushes herself and others at practice.

Alex (age 10) is the son of Dustin and Sarah Smith. He has been on swim team for 5 years. Alex is always singing and encouraging others on the team during practice. He strives for excellence in both practice and in meets and continues to drop times. Alex keeps the spirits up during the hardest of practices.

“We wish all of the Tigersharks and best of luck on Saturday and cannot wait to see them shine, ” Coach Sarah Smith